Does having a radon mitigation system on a house decrease the salability of a house?

We put an offer on a house. The building inspector found a radon mitigation system hooked up to the house. A problem with radon was not on the buyer's disclosure. The seller had written n/a across the part where it should go. We pulled out because we were worried about what else the seller had not disclosed. Also, we were concerned about the general attitude toward a house that may have a problem with radon. And that could be a problem we don't want to have when we sell the house years down the road.

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I agree with most responses you are receiving. Radon is fairly common around Denver and the foothills, and it is typically easily mitigated to a level below EPA recommended action levels (4.0 picoCuries per liter). Mitigation systems usually involve a fan that creates a negative pressure pulling the radon from the ground and venting it outside the house. Because a fan is mechanical, it has a life span and will need to be replaced at some point. The radon mitigation company I use typically installs a whole mitigation system installed for about $750 and provides a 10 year warranty. I do not know what fan replacement costs.

If you are using a buyer's agent to represent you (and you absolutely should), your agent should have provided you with the resources to understand radon and its mitigation. I have a useful link below. I would also suggest that your agent help you understand the common occurrence of this in our area, and its insignificant impact on the salability of a home. In addition, opening a dialogue with the sellers would be a wise choice rather than terminating the contract if it was a home you wanted. The sellers may have felt it was not applicable since the radon levels were mitigated. The listing agent does not complete the Seller's Property Disclosure, so they would not have been advised regarding identifying the system. I would advise my clients to ask the sellers why the system wasn't identified before becoming concerned about other items not being disclosed. Also, keep in mind that the Seller's Property Disclosure is a helpful document; however, the inspection and due diligence are how you do you research and make your decisions.

Radon tests are common in real estate transactions in Colorado (because radon is common), and a continuous 48 hour radon test typically costs about $100. That would assure you that the installed system is working and the home is within acceptable levels.

Radon gas is widely present in the soils of the front range. A properly installed radon mitigation system will keep the radon level at or below 4 pci/l. Not disclosing the awarenenss of radon or that it had been mitigated is a serious oversight by the seller and his agent. If you really liked the home you could have requested the seller to retest the radon level and have the existing system checked over by a reputable radon mitigation company as part of the inspection resolution.
Darrell Larson
Agent
Aurora, CO

Its better to have a home which you know does not have elevated radon levels because a radon mitigation system is in place. Radon testing can give misleading results if the home environment is not controlled before and during the test. Also, weather conditions can affect radon levels in the home, but the mitigation systems work very well under all conditions, (except power outages). If you ask me, itsa positive feature of the home.

Merm,
I would think having a radon mitigation system in the home would be a positive. I'm starting to have my buyers do radon testing as part of the home inspection. If the home has elevated amounts of radon we ask for a mitigation system to be installed. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. Most relocation companies are now offering radon testing and mitigation as a free option for the buyers of their homes. Ask to have the home tested for radon, the test takes a few days and cost less then one hundred dollars. If the amounts are high ask the seller to update the system and retest until the home is safe.
Michael

I do find it odd that the seller wrote N/A on that portion however I have seen several homes that have had a mitigation system placed on the home as a precaution. Not becuase there was an existing issue.

Having a radon mitigation system does not reduce the salability of a home. I have sold properties in the past and recently that had radon mitigation systems. Working with both sellers and buyers. Niether party gave it serious weight if it was corrected.

As an aside, Sellers sometimes will mark n/a or no if it has been fixed. If you really liked the house, It would be good to chat with the seller or seller's agent about that item and any other items you may have concerns about to ease any questions or doubts you have.

Go back and ask the seller and agent what else was not disclosed. If they appear agitated, then be very cautious...if they come clean with this or anything else the inspector found, then you may reconsider and look at other houses in the area and ask your agent if the radon issue is typical.